China says disgraced Politburo member Bo Xilai has been expelled from the Communist Party and will face criminal charges.
State media said on Friday that Mr Bo, who had been a candidate for top office until he was caught up in a scandal involving the murder of British businessman Neil Heywood, will face charges of corruption, abuse of power, bribe taking and improper relations with a number of women.
The ruling Communist Party also said it would hold a congress to select new leaders on November 8.
Dates for the congress, held once every five years, were overdue and highly anticipated because of the high-level scandal.
It will see Hu Jintao step down after 10 years as party and China's ultimate leader, to be replaced by Xi Jinping. Read More